ruefully

English

Etymology

From rueful +‎ -ly.

Adverb

ruefully (comparative more ruefully, superlative most ruefully)

1. In a rueful manner; causing, feeling, or expressing regret or sorrow.

   He smiled ruefully at me.

   He pushed his straw hat back, scratched his head, and laughed ruefully.

Synonyms

• sadly, sorrowfully, mournfully, regretfully